Sector support

South West Food and Drink (SWFD) is funded by the South West RDA and is dedicated to the development of the food and drink industry throughout South West England. It was created to ensure that there is a coherent strategic approach to this sector and is based at Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter. 
 
The main focus for SWFD activity is on the food and drink processors and the marketing/distribution of products to their customers, e.g. retailers and food service caterers. In other words, all the activities that take place after the farm gate through to the trade end user. 
 
The vision is that by 2015, South West England will be the UK's leading food and drink region. 
 
The Regional Economic Strategy identifies the food and drink industry as one of the most important industrial sectors for the economic growth of the region. We're ensuring the continuation of that prosperity and growth by funding various initiatives which assist producers within the region. These include:

• Market Development - encouraging more local sourcing of produce, establishing new markets and promoting the sector more effectively locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Producer and Processor development - Providing better training and practical support for innovation and the development of new products and more efficient processes.
• Connection - reinforcing the links right along the food chain from the farmer and fisherman to the consumer, and emphasising the impacts on health and environment
• Rural Enterprise Gateway - Provides a route through which groups of companies can work together to acquire knowledge and collaborate to solve common problems.
• Skills - working with learning establishments across the region, food and drink employers can access relevant training courses and facilities.